John was born on a farm not far from Oakland City, Indiana, in the midst of the Great Depression.

His older brothers both served in World War II, so John, at a very young age, started taking on chores at the family farm. In the late 1940s, while working in the barn on Saturday mornings, he discovered Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts. This began John’s lifelong passion for opera which also extended to classical music. John received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Indiana University and taught music for a short time after graduation. Between 1958 and 1960 John served in the U.S. Army, stationed at White Sands, New Mexico, serving as a chaplain’s assistant. His musical skills were put to use by playing organ or piano for church services and entertainment opportunities on base.

After the army, John pursued a master’s degree in library science from the University of Oklahoma. He worked at the Kansas City Library for a few years before moving to Seattle in 1965 and beginning his long career with the Seattle Public Library in the Arts/Music department. John retired from the Seattle Public Library in 1997 and enjoyed a 25-year retirement living at his home on Vashon Island. John met his life partner, Bill, in 1980 and they were legally married in 2013. John had many years of active retirement, traveling in the U.S. and enjoying cruises to Alaska and around the Mediterranean. Although John dealt with a number of health issues in recent years, he remained actively engaged with his passions of music, opera, gardens, crossword puzzles and mystery novels until the very end.

John is survived by his husband, Bill Rhind, niece Sherry Scharnhorst of Saint Louis, MO, nephew Larry Coleman (Karen) of Baton Rouge, LA and an extended family of dear friends. His gentle nature and kindness will be remembered by all who knew him. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Remembrances in John’s name may be made to your favorite charity. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.islandfuneral.com